BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 15. The Baku Network
Research and Analysis Public Union held a meeting with students
from Baku State University as part of the project “Supporting
increased vigilance against harmful foreign influences and fake
news,” supported by the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental
Organizations of Azerbaijan.
In his speech, Deputy Director of Trend News Agency and a
trainer for the project, Sahil Karimli, said that ideological
threats in the modern world have become a reality faced by every
country.
According to him, Azerbaijan’s independent policy, based on the
principles of statehood and national interests, is a source of
concern for certain external circles. Azerbaijan does not yield to
external pressure and does not align its policies with the
interests of individual countries.
“Especially after its victory in the Second Karabakh War,
Azerbaijan has been developing even more actively. Pursuing a
policy based on the principles of statehood and national interests
naturally causes concern among many external forces. Therefore, we
must remain vigilant in the face of ideological threats,” he
stated.
In addition, Karimli also drew attention to recent attempts to
politicize the decision on a standardized school uniform. He noted
that students, as representatives of the next generation, should
approach such issues with particular sensitivity and remain
vigilant in the face of various forms of influence.
“We are seeing the decision on a school uniform become
politicized. Young people must be vigilant about these issues and
accurately assess what is happening,” he emphasized.
Director of the “Baku Network” Expert Platform, Honored
Journalist Elchin Alioghlu, noted in his speech that ideological
threats and harmful influences are not abstract concepts.
According to him, sowing doubt in people’s minds can make them
more susceptible to external influences. In this regard, the impact
of everyday social media platforms on people’s worldviews and
choices should be taken into account.
“The social media platforms you use every day are not just a
form of entertainment. The videos you watch and the photos and
videos you share provide information about who you are, what your
interests are, and what you think. All of this is gathered in one
place,” he noted.
Elchin Alioghlu emphasized that young people are one of the
primary targets of various influence mechanisms. He also noted the
importance of exercising caution when using artificial intelligence
tools and social media platforms.
In his view, users should be aware that when they use
technology, their behavior and choices may also be subject to
analysis.
In addition, Elchin Alioghlu addressed the danger that harmful
external influence could lead to social division. He noted that the
erosion of social unity has a negative impact on the formation of a
unified national consciousness.
“When society becomes divided, a unified national consciousness
ceases to exist. Harmful ideology can originate from both the East
and the West. Therefore, it is wrong to view this issue from only
one perspective,” he emphasized.
Speaking about Azerbaijan’s historical development, Elchin
Alioghlu recalled that it was in Azerbaijan that women in the East
were first granted the right to vote. He noted the importance of
young people thoroughly studying national values and historical
achievements, as well as adopting a critical approach to the
information they receive.
